JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHOD, Wash. -- The 62nd Maintenance Group commander handed over the reins to the incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony Aug. 14 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Col. Reba Sonkiss, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, presided over the ceremony in which Col. Anthony Babcock, assumed command from Col. James Clavenna.
The change of command ceremony is a military tradition rooted deep in history. The transfer of the guidon from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander symbolizes the passing of authority and command to the new commander.
“A change of command is a mark in time where we celebrate the excellence of our Airmen under the leadership of their commander and pass our trust, in the form of a simple guidon, to the next leader,” said Sonkiss. “I want to emphatically state, you do not have big shoes to fill, you have your own shoes … they have been an excellent fit so far in your career, and I have no doubt they will pace every corner of this ramp taking care of your Airmen.”
Babcock assumed command for the three squadrons that fall under the 62nd MXG and more than 1,400 active duty Airmen. The squadrons are the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron, the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 62nd Maintenance Squadron.
“I have no doubt that you will continue to lead this group of amazing Airmen down the path of excellence,” said Sonkiss. “Your diverse background makes you uniquely qualified to command this group of exceptional individuals and I am confident you will lead them to new heights during your time here.”
Babcock comes to McChord from the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., where he worked for the joint staff. According to his biography, Babcock also served as squadron commander at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, and squadron commander at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.
“Men and women of the aerial port and maintenance, I am proud to join your team and look forward to working with each of you,” said Babcock. “I am excited to be part of this team and this mission.”
Babcock has a Master of Arts in organizational management from George Washington University, Washington D.C., a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University and the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, Washington D.C., and a Bachelor of Science degree in Military History from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado.
A distinguished officer, Babcock has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and NATO Medal.